Water bosses have issued a warning as reservoir levels continue to fall during the summer heatwave.
Dramatic new images taken by the Manchester Evening News at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale show how the exposed bed now resembles a scorched beach.
United Utilities, which manages more than 150 reservoirs across the region, has revealed average water levels at them currently stand at 59 per cent, compared to an average of 73 per cent at this time of year.
Now the company is urging households and businesses to be mindful of their water use to help protect supplies as temperatures continue to soar.
United Utilities said demand for water significantly increases during warmer periods - with all customers typically using an extra 70 million litres of water a day.
Never miss a story with the